Jeff Hanneman makes his return to the stage with Slayer

Tue, 26 Apr 2011

On Friday, we mentioned that Slayer guitarist, Jeff Hanneman was keen to play the Big 4 show in Indio, California (the first and so far only date in the US the Thrash Metal Big 4 have scheduled for 2011), but nothing had yet been confirmed.

After months of recovery from a flesh eating infection (suspected from a Spider Bite) since January and missing the bands recent tour dates, we're delighted to confirm that he performed with the band at the big event.

Whilst the guitarist didn't perform a full set with his band, he appeared during their two song encore, performing "Angel Of Death" and "South Of Heaven".  In a statement released by the band's publicist Hanneman said he was "The happiest man in the world."

Exodus guitarist Gary Holt will continue to fill in for Jeff Hanneman until he's fully recovered to tour with the band, which fans are hoping will be for their upcoming summer tour dates.

Here's a few fan-filmed videos we found on YouTube from the show;